#kiffie

Kiffie loves ice-cream, but she's sure upset that mushroom!

http://store.beckyandfrank.com/product/kiffie-the-mushroom

Key Quote: "It’s a real ‘heart on your sleeve’ collection and well worth repeated listens".

I’m not quite sure how many of these songs I’ve heard before, but I do know that many have featured in my ‘Indie Synth 2023’ Spotify playlist over the past few months. So, it’s a pleasure to hear them again as part of this 9 track album released on 31-Oct-23…

1.The End

We start at The End with this haunting piano-led ballad which musically grows throughout the song length. Vocally, I can see how this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like how Kiffie’s voice contrasts with the bubbly synth-laden music. Lyrically, it’s quite an inspiring uplifting song despite the title.

2. Hard To Breathe

A beautiful piano melody circles through this heart-felt song about a relationship breakdown. I love the descriptive title of this one - for those that have been there, it says it all.

3. Take A Break

The introduction to this hits the right note with me immediately. Put very simply, this is Synthpop perfection! The vocals sit smoothly on top of the whirling arpeggios and this is my favourite song so far.

4. Goodbye At Last

Beautiful piano instrumental with strong hooks. I can see why Kiffie thought there was no need to add any words as it speaks volumes already.

5. All Yours (Feat. Voyage)

Two massively contrasting vocal styles on this one and the song works well because of it. Voyage’s break-neck speed rap also contrasts vividly with the steady rhythm of the piano. Overall, this is a change of direction to what we’ve previously heard. 

6. Sense Of Unease

The album title track and lyrically this song really hits home. Again, Kiffie’s vocal style adds to the song’s overall Sense Of Unease. The chorus is very catchy and almost too sing-a-long given the song’s title.

7. Learning To Sing

Although this is another piano-led song, it has a slightly different feel to the others. The unusual backing vocals give this a hymn-like quality. Lyrically, it takes us through the seasons - happily landing in Summer where the lovers reunite.

8. One Look

Musically, this one has a jaunty upbeat feel but does feel a little on the bland side relatively speaking. Lyrically, I like the repetitive ‘One Look’ hook throughout but feel overall, it’s just a little too ‘wordy’ for my taste.

9. The Light Inside

Unexpected but very welcome guitar introduction which develops into piano and synth finale. Again the chorus is catchy and this has all the ingredients of a great pop-song. I’d also like to hear any remixes done of this song which might perhaps make more of the guitar riffs.

This album has been a pleasure to listen to and I’m keen to explore Kiffie’s extensive back catalogue of other material. As an album it hangs together extremely well. Perhaps if it were me I’d re-order some of the tracks - but that’s hardly a criticism when all the tracks are so accomplished. It’s a real ‘heart on your sleeve’ collection and well worth repeated listens.

Kiffie Contact Details:

Bandcamp: https://kiffie.bandcamp.com/album/a-sense-of-unease

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kiffie8

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2q2LMTb1sa4cyQf7anGxNm?si=UC2FC5KFRT6-UaOa0-Ns4A

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kiffie8

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DUSK FT KIFFIE